Dinner a la Art is a brand new project from Talk Is Free Theatre that will bring exclusive, online play readings with iconic Canadian and international artists right to your home. Not only will it be an awesome event, but it also has a special way to secure a ticket that supports tons of local businesses.
The first reading is Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw and directed by Richard Ouzounian and will be streamed on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. This one-time event will star Tony Award winner Len Cariou, best known for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd in the original cast of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Joining him will be film, television and stage icon Ed Asner, TIFT alumni and star of Royal Canadian Air Farce Craig Lauzon, Stratford and Shaw Festivals leading actor Alexis Gordon, and star of TIFT’s internationally acclaimed The Curious Voyage, Michael Torontow. The cast also includes Cynthia Dale, best known for her role as lawyer Olivia Monk in Street Legal and multiple seasons at the Stratford Festival, and Nicole Joy-Fraser, who has performed across North America, the UK, and debuted her one-person production as part of TIFT’s Plural of She festival last summer.
So, how does this project support local? Well, instead of just buying a ticket, the only way to secure your spot is to purchase a gift card (of $30 or more) at one of the amazing participating restaurants. You can check out the full list here but it includes restaurants from Orillia, Collingwood, Midland, Penetang, and Barrie, at places like Bacio Trattoria, Limoncello, and more.
Four additional works and names of other acclaimed artists will be announced every two days starting February 26 so be sure to follow Talk Is Free Theatre’s social media channels for updates.
